Prominent public servant Pat Watters has been appointed to the new Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

He will be the first chairman of the Perth-based set-up, working closely in its formative period alongside chief officer Alasdair Hay. His appointment to a three-year term was announced by community safety minister Roseanna Cunningham.

She said: “His experience in public life, as well as his leadership and communication skills, will be crucial in working with Alasdair Hay to shape the new service.”

Mr Watters was Convention of Scottish Local Authorities president for 11 years, and a Labour councillor in South Lanarkshire for 30 years.

He left both roles this year and he also made his name as a negotiator on discussions for teachers’ pay and conditions and in the midst of the UK-wide fire dispute in 2003.

Mr Watters said: “I welcome the opportunity to take on this role and work with the chief officer to ensure the service continues to perform strongly and ensure communities in all parts of Scotland are safe.